Cancer Controls

Question 1

Genes go bad

Answer 1

Gene mutations may be either inherited or
spontaneously mutated due to environmental
factors
* ERBB2, the gene that controls the cell cycle, is
encoded on chromosome 17
* Mutations trigger cancerous transformationsBRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes for tumor
suppressing proteins that fix damaged
DNA
* Breast cancer cells often contain
mutated forms of BRCA1 and BRCA2

Question 2

Skin Cancer

Answer 2

Basal Cell Carcinoma
*most common, slow growing, raised red, brown,
or black lump
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
*2nd most common, pink, firm, fast growing w/ UV
light
Malignant Melanoma
*fastest spreading, dark, encrusted lumps. May
itch or bleed easily

Question 3

Oncogenes

Answer 3

Mutated forms of normal genes that
have the potential to induce cancer
* Can form from:
– insertions of viral DNA
– after exposure to certain bacteria
– after mutagens change DNA

Question 4

Cancer Characteristics

Answer 4

Plasma membrane and cytoplasm
altered
* Cells grow and divide abnormally
* Weakened capacity for adhesion
so cells can spread to other areas
* Lethal unless eradicated

Question 5

Tumors (Neoplasms)

Answer 5

checkpoint gene mutates
and control over the cell division is lost.
– Which can lead to uncontrollable cell division
that forms an abnormal mass (tumor)
* Benign= non-spreading tumor
* Malignant= spreading tumor
* Metastasis= the spreading of cancer cells to other
parts of the body